From The Head of School
This has been a tremendously exciting year at The Ellis School. We welcomed an exceptional group of new students to our school community who brought such a richness of interests, talents, lively personalities, and diverse lived experiences to our Ellis family. Our students grew before our eyes—not only in stature, but in their understanding of themselves, eachother, and the world around them. Our 34 graduating seniors are leaving us as confident, vibrant young women ready to take on their next adventures at 28 different colleges and universities in 12 states. We’ve done our job well when they leave us having grown deep roots at Ellis, and strong wings that will guarantee they soar out in the larger world. I couldn't be prouder of them.
I’m also exceedingly proud of the ways in which we have grown stronger and more dynamic as a school this year. Our outstanding faculty—the core of the Ellis experience— have continued to enhance and refine our curriculum, weaving in more interdisciplinary,collaborative, real-world problem solving experiences for our girls and expanding our understanding of ways to create more inclusive classroom communities. We’ve made some very helpful changes to our parent communications, creating both a weekly digital reminder of upcoming events and an engaging digital monthly newsletter sharing stories and news about life at the School.
We’ve createdmore opportunities for students and families to participate in meaningful service to our local community, including launching a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service program. We’ve made some important updates to the campus that enhance our students’ experiences in the Middle and Upper School library, the auditorium, and the Lower School play circle, and have created a more secure and welcoming entrance and reception area. We’ve also spent a year reflecting on our strategic priorities with the Board of Trustees, resulting in a dynamic new strategic plan that will be unveiled in Fall 2019.
All of this has been in addition to the remarkable experiences that teachers and coaches are creating for Ellis girls every day—the kinds of learning that strengthens all the muscles our girls need to become the confident, intellectually vibrant, creative problem solvers who will leave us ready to take on the world. I know you’ll enjoy reading about some of these amazing experiences, and the many accomplishments of our students this year, whether they be first grade students helping to clean up the meadow in Frick Park as they studied habitats, Middle and Upper School science students winning top prizes at area science competitions, or our Varsity Basketball Team advancing to the WPIAL quarterfinal playoff round for only the second time in school history.
I am so grateful to all the people whose support makes it possible for us to provide Ellis girls with these remarkable experiences. One of the best aspects of Ellis is the warm and welcoming nature of this school community. My greatest wish for each of you, regardless of whether you are a current or past parent, current student or former student, or simply a friend of the school, is that you know you will always be a part of the Ellis family.
Warmly,
Macon
